Ok Ohio State fans. What's up with Kasich not backing the Buckeyes?

[Are_grits_groceries]

Nikki Haley bets barbecue for brats on bowl game but Buckeye state boss backs down
Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/12/31/3184146/buzz-nikki-haley-bets-barbecue.html

Granted, these 3 are at the bottom of the barrel, but I have never heard of a governor (or other official such as a mayor, etc.) not accepting a bet like this.
These bets are made in fun.
What's with this? Is he going to accept?

[MrScorpio]

1. I've never heard of something like this happening before

It's positively surreal.

What the fuck is he thinking?

[Are_grits_groceries]

3. I was astounded.

Unless there was a miscommunication, I have no idea why he wouldn't bet. Does he think if he loses the bet he has to pay a brazillion dollars?

[DefenseLawyer]

2. Perhaps he's a recovering gambling addict

and this one wager would send him on a bender to Vegas with the state's debit card.

[Motown_Johnny]

4. He might not want to associate with Haley in any way, shape or form.

I despise the man, but I can see why he would want to stay clear of that woman.

Aren't most of these bets paid off during a photo shoot?

[Are_grits_groceries]

5. Oh please!

They are both worthless. The difference is in degree.

Sometimes there is a photo and sometimes they just make an announcement. I guarantee you that he will get more negative attention for this than if he made the bet.

I'm sure a few will look at it politically, but I have never seen one of these bets blow up into some huge kerfuffle even between people who are polar opposites politically.

[jmowreader]

6. The barbecue for brats bet was against Scott Walker

I don't know if I blame either Walker or Kasich for rejecting the bet...South Carolina barbecue ain't all that great, and what if the Northern team won?

A bushel of oysters, a mess 'a crab cakes, and a pot of she-crab soup...now that's a different story.

[Are_grits_groceries]

7. And the sound you hear is the point of the bet

sailing over your head.
It's a friendly bet on a bowl game and not a debate about what is wagered. That's a different story. I would love to see Kasich offer that as an excuse.

In addition, your opinion of SC BBQue is just that. Your opinion. That doesn't mean it holds true for all SC BBQue or for all people.

I repeat. I have never seen this type of bet declined.

[jmowreader]

8. I was kidding, okay?

The real reason the bets were declined is Walker and Kasich are assholes. We know that.

And since I don't like mustard-based barbecue sauce, I can say without fear of contradiction that South Carolina barbecue is not something I want to eat. (Not real fond of oysters either...though I gotta tell you this one, it's pretty good: there's a Pentecostal church in Fayettenam near the National Guard armory that always has fire and brimstone on its readerboard. One fine day they had this:

"Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, it is abomination. -Leviticus 18.22
Oyster roast Sunday 3 p.m."

Needless to say I was looking real hard on their sign for two more 1s, so I could change the scripture to the more relevant Leviticus 11.12: "Whatsoever hath no fins or scales in the water, that shall be an abomination to you."